Cognitive Learning Theory

COGNITIVE LEARNING THEORY

COGNITIVE LEARNING:
Cognitive learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge and skill by mental or cognitive processes, the procedures we have for manipulating information 'in our heads'. Cognitive processes include creating mental representations of physical objects and events, and other forms of information processing.
But what does it mean? To most people probably very little. Essentially what 'cognition' means is 'to know', gaining knowledge through thought or perception.
Cognitive learning is about enabling people to learn by using their reason, intuition and perception. This technique is often used to change peoples' behaviour. But people's behaviour is influenced by many factors such as culture, upbringing, education and motivation. Therefore cognitive learning involves understanding how these factors influence behaviour and then using this information to develop learning programmes.
So it is far more subtle than just telling people what you want them to do differently it involves presenting the message in such a way that it allows people to work out the answer themselves. This can be achieved a number of ways

•Response consequences - should you reward for demonstrating the right behaviour or punish for demonstrating the wrong behaviour? Which approach will achieve the required outcomes? In reality there needs to be a combination of both as people will be motivated by different things.

•Observation - observation is a very powerful learning tool as it enables us to see whether performing an action is desirable or not without making the mistake ourselves. Also employees will be more likely to demonstrate the right behaviours if they see managers and senior managers doing so.

•Symbolism - allows us to create mental pictures and act out scenarios so that we can think through the consequences without actually performing it.
Therefore cognitive awareness involves using cognitive learning techniques which are then used to make informed decisions about how to deal with new or similar situations.

How we learn cognitive:

In cognitive learning, the individual learns by listening, watching, touching, reading, or experiencing and then processing and remembering the information. Cognitive learning might seem to be passive learning, because there is no motor movement. However, the learner is quite active, in a cognitive way, in processing and remembering newly incoming information.

Cognitive learning enables us to create and transmit a complex culture that includes symbols, values, beliefs and norms. Because cognitive activity is involved in many aspects of human behaviour, it might seem that cognitive learning only takes place in human beings. However, many different species of animals are capable of observational learning. For example, a monkey in the zoo, sometimes imitates human visitors or other monkeys. Nevertheless, most information about cognitive learning is obtained from studies on human beings. |

The Cognitive Learning Theory explains why the brain is the most incredible network of information processing and interpretation in the body as we learn things. This theory can be divided into two specific theories: the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and the Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT). When we say the word “learning”, we usually mean “to think using the brain”. This basic concept of learning is the main viewpoint in the Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT). The theory has been used to explain mental processes as they are influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which eventually bring about learning in an individual.
Cognitive Learning Theory implies that the different processes concerning learning can be explained by analysing the mental processes first. It posits that with effective cognitive processes, learning is easier and new information can be stored in the memory for a long time. On the other hand, ineffective cognitive processes result to learning difficulties that can be seen anytime during the lifetime of an individual. A. Social Cognitive Theory
Social cognitive theory is the view that people learn by watching others. In psychology, it explains personality in terms of how a person thinks about and responds to one's social environment. For example, in the 1960s Albert Bandura (a pioneer in social cognitive theory) argued that when people see someone else awarded for behaviour, they tend to behave the same way to attain an award. People are also more likely to imitate those with whom they identify. Bandura famously illustrated social learning by showing children a video of a girl punching a doll; presented later with a doll, the children behaved in similarly aggressive ways.
In the Social Cognitive Theory, we are considering 3 variables: * behavioural factors * environmental factors (extrinsic) * personal factors (intrinsic)

These 3 variables in Social Cognitive Theory are said to be interrelated with each other, causing learning to occur. An individual’s personal experience can converge with the behavioural determinants and the environmental factors.

| | Social cognitive learning theory illustration
In the person-environment interaction, human beliefs, ideas and cognitive competencies are modified by external factors such as a supportive parent, stressful environment or a hot climate. In the person-behaviour interaction, the cognitive processes of a person affect his behaviour; likewise, performance of such behaviour can modify the way he thinks. Lastly, the environment-behaviour interaction, external factors can alter the way you display the behaviour. Also, your behaviour can affect and modify your environment. This model clearly implies that for effective and positive learning to occur an individual should have positive personal characteristics, exhibit appropriate behaviour and stay in a supportive environment.
In addition, Social Cognitive Theory states that new experiences are to be evaluated by the learner by means of analyzing his past experiences with the same determinants. Learning, therefore, is a result of a thorough evaluation of the present experience versus the past.
Basic Concepts
Social Cognitive Theory includes several basic concepts that can manifest not only in adults but also in infants, children and adolescents. 1. Observational Learning Learning from other people by means of observing them is an effective way of gaining knowledge and altering behaviour.

2. Reproduction The process wherein there is an aim to effectively increase the repeating of a behaviour by means of putting the individual in a comfortable environment with readily accessible materials to motivate him to retain the new knowledge and behaviour learned and practice them.

3. Self-efficacy The course wherein the learner improves his newly learned knowledge or behaviour by putting it into practice.

4. Emotional coping Good coping mechanisms against stressful environment and negative personal characteristics can lead to effective learning, especially in adults.

5. Self-regulatory capability Ability to control behaviour even within an unfavourable environment.

B. Cognitive Behavioural Theory: Cognitive Behavioural Theory describes the role of cognition (knowing) to determining and predicting the behavioural pattern of an individual. This theory was developed by Aaron Beck.
The Cognitive Behavioural Theory says that individuals tend to form self-concepts that affect the behaviour they display. These concepts can be positive or negative and can be affected by a person’s environment.
The Cognitive Triad: Cognitive Behavioural Theory further explains human behaviour and learning using the cognitive triad. This triad includes negative thoughts about: 1. The self (i.e., I am rubbish) 2. The world/environment (i.e., the world is irrational) 3. The future (i.e., my future is doomed)

Cognitive Learning Theory — A Summary: * Cognitive skills are underlying mental abilities and are not the same as the academic knowledge acquired in the classroom. * Cognitive skills can change and improve. * Malfunctioning cognitive skills make learning difficult and frustrating. * Specific cognitive skills testing is the best way to identify which cognitive skills are the cause of a learning problem and need strengthening. * With the right information and training, every child can experience learning that is easy, fast, and fun * "Cognitive learning is the result of listening, watching, touching or experiencing." -thinkquest.org

Example Of Cognitive Learning:
In other words, watching tv is a form of cognitive learning. Seeing and hearing what a person does can imitate, and a person can be conditioned to do the same thing. But in order to process the significance of that conditioning, one must form his/her own thoughts and understanding of those actions. And only human beings possess the capacity to do this. You wouldn't be able to understand what I'm saying right now if you hadn't learned these words and figured out how they all fit together within their context (on your own) if you've never experienced cognitive learning.